NBA All-Star Game: Team Shaq cruises to victory as new tournament format comes under fire
In an All-Star tournament that was met with pushback for its format and its coverage, Team Shaq prevailed on Sunday when the basketball was all said and done.
In the three-team mini-tournament, Team Shaq's squad of All-Star veterans defeated Team Candace's roster of non All-Stars in the semifinal round. It then rolled past Team Chuck's squad of international All-Stars via a 41-25 victory in the final to secure the title of 2025 All-Star champions.
Each player on Team Shaq secured a $125,000 prize for the victory. Team Chuck's runners-up earned $50,000, while the semifinal losers secured $25,000 each just for making it to Sunday.
After facing a challenge from Team Candace's Rising Stars team in the semifinals, Team Shaq started the final on fire with an 11-0 lead, sparked by eight early points from Jayson Tatum. Team Chuck never challenged as Team Shaq cruised to a 41-25 win.
Tatum led the way with 15 points, including the game-winning bucket. Warriors star Stephen Curry added 12 points in front of a San Francisco crowd.
In between and sometimes during the games, the broadcast featured commentary and banter from comedian Kevin Hart that distracted from the basketball and was met with vocal criticism on social media.
The tournament format itself, meanwhile, was the subject of harsh criticism on the TNT broadcast from Draymond Green.
Playing without an injured LeBron James, Team Shaq averted disaster in the second semifinal of Sunday's All-Star mini tournament.
Led by nine points from Damian Lillard, Team Shaq scored a 42-35 win over Team Candace's roster of Rising Stars.
In the first-to-40 format, Team Candace kept pace with Team Shaq for much of the game that was tied at 28-28. But Team Shaq pulled away with a 14-7 run to secure the win and avoid losing to a team of non-All-Stars. Team Shaq missed a bunch of shots down the stretch as they tried to end the game on a 3-pointer while sitting on 37 points.
Officials then ignored an obvious foul of Kevin Durant as Team Shaq sat on 39 points in an apparent effort to avoid having the game end on the free-throw line.
The refs might have missed one here. pic.twitter.com/8KDX4LP9KY
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 17, 2025
Damian Lillard eventually put the game to bed with a deep 3 to secure the win.
DAME TIME FROM DEEP FOR THE WIN 🚨The Oakland native puts on the finishing touches...Shaq's OGs will face Chuck's Global Stars in the #NBAAllStar Championship on TNT! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/fvhN5rpcgc
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Team Shaq advances to face Team Chuck in the final.
Behind an outburst from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and some actual All-Star Game defense from Victor Wembanyama, Charles Barkley's team of international stars struck first Sunday night.
Team Chuck cruised to a 42-31 win over Team Kenny in the first semifinal, which featured a lineup of young stars headlined by Jalen Brunson and Evan Mobley. Anthony Edwards was a DNP with a lingering groin injury.
Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 12 points, including the game-winning bucket. Gilgeous-Alexander beat Jaren Jackson Jr. off the dribble and put Team Chuck over 40 points with a two-handed dunk. The first team to 40 points in the semifinal round wins.
SGA WINS IT FOR CHUCK'S GLOBAL STARS 🚨Scoring the final 5 PTS...They'll advance to the #NBAAllStar Championship on TNT! pic.twitter.com/BAHSxAQejt
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander's easy path to the bucket with the game on the line won't assuage critics tired of the lack of defense in the All-Star game. But Victor Wembanyama at least made an effort in his first All-Star game debut.
He finished with six points, four rebounds, one steal and this block of Cade Cunningham in the winning effort for Team Chuck.
WEMBY BLOCKS CADE CUNNINGHAMHE ISN'T MESSING AROUND pic.twitter.com/XQdAYxloSG
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) February 17, 2025
Similar to the Rising Stars challenge, the NBA All-Stars will competed in a three-game tournament. The All-Stars were split into three teams — through an All-Star Draft conducted by TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. The first two matchups were Team Shaq vs. Team Candace Parker, and Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny. Parker's team qualified Friday as the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge when it was coached by Chris Mullin, and it features Stephon Castle, Dalton Knecht, Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey and others.
For each game in Sunday's tournament, the winner will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points.
As for prize money, each player on the championship-winning team will receive $125,000; each player on the second-place team will receive $50,000; and each player on the third- and fourth-place teams will receive $25,000.
The All-Star teams are comprised of the East and West starters (voted by fans, players and media members) and reserves (voted by coaches). Trae Young and Kyrie Irving were named as injury replacements for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, respectively.
Here's a breakdown of the rosters (listed in order of how each team was drafted).
Shaq's OGs
LeBron James, Lakers*
Stephen Curry, Warriors
Anthony Davis, Mavericks*
Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Kevin Durant, Suns
Damian Lillard, Bucks
James Harden, Clippers
Jaylen Brown, Celtics
Kyrie Irving, Mavericks
Kenny's Young Stars
Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Jalen Williams, Thunder
Darius Garland, Cavaliers
Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Cade Cunningham, Pistons
Tyler Herro, Heat
Chuck's Global Stars
Nikola Jokić, Nuggets
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks*
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Pascal Siakam, Pacers
Alperen Şengün, Rockets
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
Trae Young, Hawks*injured
Team Candace
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors
Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets (added by Parker after Friday's games)
Team Shaq defeated Team Chuck, 41-25, to win the inaugural NBA All-Star tournament.
The final of the NBA ASG tournament came back from commercial break and an insane gift ceremony occurred to honor the TNT crew of Ernie Johnson, Shaq, Chuck and Kenny.
I repeat: A live game — with Team Shaq leading Team Chuck, 11-3 — was stopped and billion of dollars worth of All-Stars sat around and got cold so they could watch the TNT studio show hosts get a bunch of gifts to honor their roles in the promotion of the game. Oh yeah, and Kevin Hart was once again the host of it.
Like most the evening, it went over like a lead zeppelin:
The extended breaks in these games are really tough. We're now on to honoring the end of Inside the NBA on TNT when everyone knows its headed to ESPN next season.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 17, 2025
Worst All-Star 'Game' EVER
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 17, 2025
LMAOOOOO WHY DIDNT THEY DO THIS CEREMONY NOT WHEN THE GAME WAS GOING ON
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
If Steph and KD walked out during that 30 minute tv time out, I would not have blamed them https://t.co/eFDDv6DVpK
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) February 17, 2025
The amount of sitting Chuck's team has had to do throughout the night is bonkers.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) February 17, 2025
It's hilarious watching these players try and warm up every 35 minutes dude You can tell they're even bewildered by all this
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
It's almost 11pm on a Sunday night. What are you doing @NBA? https://t.co/GrCcfydXXQ
— Ed. (@DepressedDETN) February 17, 2025
STEPH RUNNING 3 OFF ONE LEG 😤😤He opens the scoring in the #NBAAllStar Championship Game on TNT! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/fEMoVt3mOG
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Team Shaq's OGs defeated Team Candace's Rising Stars, 42-35, but it wasn't easy.
Team Shaq had numerous opportunities to put the game away, but needing just three points with a 37-31 lead, the veterans opted to take a lot of 3s — and missed them.
Finally, Damian Lillard, who led his club with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from long distance, hit a 3 to give Team Shaq the victory and a ticket to face Team Chuck in the final.
For those into such things, Team Candace spent most of the day at BetMGM as a 7.5-point underdog, but went off as only a 6.5-point dog as the game tipped. Landing on seven had major ramifications, once again illustrating the importance of getting the best of the number.
Steph splashes for THREE 💦(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/enD01jFmkE
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 17, 2025
The NBA making its All-Star game less and less about basketball while complaining about NBA players not taking it seriously is about all you need to know about the state of NBA discourse in 2025.
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) February 17, 2025
Oh God. Now it's the comedy sketch again. F me, man. This used to be one of the best weekends of the sporting calendar. I used to LOVE it. Invite my friends over. Watch the game again. Blow this up. It's over. Praying NBC fixes this next year.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 17, 2025
Can the sandman come out with the hook? This is cooked
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) February 17, 2025
Lebron knows this format sucks lol pic.twitter.com/1ObBtr3mc8
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 17, 2025
The new format is good. The first game was good. Don't ever give Kevin Hart or Draymond a mic again.
— Heath Cummings (@heathcummingssr) February 17, 2025
I get what Draymond is saying about the disservice guys like SGA and Wemby will see with this new format. He can say this format sucks but let's not ignore how we got here, the guys just didn't care. The games have been awful.
— Mo Dakhil (@MoDakhil_NBA) February 17, 2025
with all due respect they gotta cut Kevin Hart's mic
— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) February 17, 2025
Been about 10 minutes of basketball and 50 minutes of not-basketball
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) February 17, 2025
Start the damn game! Doing too damn much. Jesus Christ
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 17, 2025
I swear I'm not trying to be cynical but everything outside of the actual games tonight — which have been great — has varied from terrifying to cringe.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
Why does it take 78 minutes for the next game to start?!
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 17, 2025
Worst All-Star 'Game' EVER
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 17, 2025
Now they getting present with gifts. During the Allstar game. This couldn't be on the post show? They aren't going off air anyway bruh they just won't have the all star game 😂
— Jay (@1jreezy) February 17, 2025
LMAOOOOO WHY DIDNT THEY DO THIS CEREMONY NOT WHEN THE GAME WAS GOING ON
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
The extended breaks in these games are really tough. We're now on to honoring the end of Inside the NBA on TNT when everyone knows its headed to ESPN next season.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 17, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards did not participate for Team Kenny in the opening game of All-Star Sunday's new format due to a groin injury, he said afterwards.
There was no indication in the lead-up to the game that Edwards would not participate.
Edwards played his usual 36 points in a 15-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, compiling 23 points (5-of-18 shooting), seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Mr. Beast, the YouTube sensation, hosted a shooting contest between Damian Lillard and a fan for $100,000. The fan had to make one shot from the logo near halfcourt before Lillard made three. Lillard made two, but before he could sink his third the fan banked in the winning shot.
🚨🚨THIS FAN JUST WON $100,000🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/Av7cxG1Sdu
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 17, 2025
The All-Star players, just as hyped as the fans, showered the fan with congratulations.
Team Chuck topped Team Kenny in Game 1, 41-32, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander icing the contest with a dunk.
SGA shot 5-of-5 for 12 points in a game in which Anthony Edwards curiously did not play for Team Kenny.
The TNT broadcast said The Athletic reported Edwards had groin soreness.
SGA ICES GAME 1 😤Chuck's Global Stars move on to the Final Rd of the #NBAAllStar Mini-Tournament ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/YId5BJCAsE
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2025
The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver want the All-Star event to be taken more seriously, with players actually competing.
But the four-man booth for Game 1 — Shaq, Candace Parker, Reggie Miller and Brian Anderson — was all about jokes and topics other than the game during the early going.
The broadcast also gave time during the game to Ernie Johnson and Kevin Hart, who were sitting with coaches Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Hart screamed a lot about whatever as action on the court took place.
I have wondered for a very long time who the Kevin Hart fans are? Where they are? Why does Adam think he's an ambassador lol. https://t.co/8GPCvBz5ku
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) February 17, 2025
When the broadcast went back to the actual broadcast booth, it was Anderson trying to give updates on the action, while his broadcast mates wanted to talk about anything except the action on the court.
The issue: If the action isn't interesting enough for the folks calling the game, why should anyone else care?
Then after the first game, Draymond Green ripped the new format, trashing everything about it. The NBA continues to lead American sports in giving monster platforms to voices who continue to tear apart, ridicule and denigrate its game. Some would say that isn't an optimal strategy when so much money and time are involved in "promoting" the game.
The NBA needs to take a hard look at this game presentation.
Led by Victor Wembanayama, the NBA's young stars are injecting some energy into the All-Star Game for the first time in years. In a back-and-forth battle, Wembanyama has wreaked havoc on both ends, inspiring everyone to compete.
WEMBY'S FIRST #NBAAllStar POINTS 👽Hops into the lane and stuffs it with the left!Chuck's Global Stars 14 PTS away from 40 on TNT 👀 pic.twitter.com/e998eS9CJU
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA NíO QUER SABER DE RELAXAR NO ALL-STARJÁ TEM 2 TOCOS NO JOGO pic.twitter.com/RG7bWFBAaQ
— Matchup Brasil 🇧🇷🏀 (@MatchupBR) February 17, 2025
The All-Stars are actually trying
Victor Wembanyama is here to play some All-Star game defense:
WEMBY BLOCKS CADE CUNNINGHAMHE ISN'T MESSING AROUND pic.twitter.com/XQdAYxloSG
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) February 17, 2025
Tyler Herro and Karl-Anthony Towns trading ridiculous 3s:
HERRO DRAINS THE 3. 👀KAT FOLLOWS UP FROM THE LOGO. 🎯First to 40 advances... #NBAAllStar on TNT pic.twitter.com/9zy0xPdb07
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
In the first NBA All-Star tournament game, featuring Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny, it was Evan Mobley of Team Kenny who scored the first points of the new format.
In transition, the Cavs big man was on the receiving end of an alley-oop from Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams.
Mobley added another bucket as Team Chuck led 17-12 at the first timeout of the contest, which will be decided by the first to 40.
And we're underway. There's no game clock in these games. First team to 40 points in the semifinals wins.
Here are the rosters for the opening game:
Team Kenny
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota TimberwolvesJalen Brunson, New York KnicksJaren Jackson Jr., Memphis GrizzliesJalen Williams, Oklahoma City ThunderDarius Garland, Cleveland CavaliersEvan Mobley, Cleveland CavaliersCade Cunningham, Detroit PistonsTyler Herro, Miami Heat
vs.
Team Chuck
Nikola Jokić, Denver NuggetsTrae Young, Atlanta Hawks (replacing Giannis Antetokounmpo)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderVictor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursPascal Siakam, Indiana PacersAlperen Şengün, Houston RocketsKarl-Anthony Towns, New York KnicksDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
All-Star intros full of pomp and circumstance are over. Team Kenny vs. Team Chuck is up next.
Introducing Chuck's Global Stars!🌟 #NBAAllStar is LIVE on TNT pic.twitter.com/kc0nJ6QNDw
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Introducing Kenny's Young Stars!🌟 #NBAAllStar is LIVE on TNT pic.twitter.com/od0CL6nTbe
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, speaking before the All-Star Game, pledged to participate in a 1-on-1 battle next season, if the NBA decides to add the event to its festivities.
"If I had the chance to play 1-on-1 with anybody, I would love to do it," he said. "Anything that can make the weekend more exciting, more fun for the viewers, for the fans and for the players, I would love to participate. ... If it's a 1-on-1 competition, I would love to participate."
He gives himself a pretty good shot, too.
"I think sometimes you forget, to be a good 1-on-1 player, you've got to be able to play both ways," he said. "You've got to get a stop to get the ball. You don't get a stop, you're not getting the ball. It's kind of hard, say, if Kyrie Irving is going against [Victor Wembanyama]. He's got to get a stop. But it would be fun. It would be fun. I would love to participate if next year there's a 1-on-1 tournament. I would love to participate."
Is he sure?
"I can't make no promises," he said, "but if I'm healthy, I'd probably do it.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will be sidelined for the All-Star Game on Sunday night, as he manages the ankle soreness that has plagued him for the past few seasons, ending his record-setting streak of 20 consecutive All-Star Game starts.
"I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it's just not where I wanted it to be," said James. "With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild West, I feel like it's very important for me to take care of myself and understand what was coming on.
"It is maintenance, but at the same time I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury I've been dealing with for years."
James flew from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Sunday and will return later in the night.
"There will be no vacation for me," he said. "I head back to L.A. tonight and back to the rehab tomorrow and getting ready for practice on Tuesday."
His availability for Wednesday's home game against the Charlotte Hornets is questionable.
More on James' absence.
SAN FRANCISCO — NBA commissioner Adam Silver sees all and hears all: the praise of where his game is or, most importantly, the constant critique the NBA is subject to, almost on a daily basis.
The never-ending 3-point discussion, one that even he has chimed in on at times.
The money element, the financial decisions that have played a big part in trades involving Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns, and the standoff with Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
The officiating, the challenges with a million camera angles and a million more opinions on social media and in NBA locker rooms.
And he's even contributed to it in ways, jokingly throwing gasoline onto the discourse by suggesting 10-minute quarters instead of the usual 12 — a suggestion that earned a decent amount of criticism.
'I try to read it all, frankly, and we try to absorb it at the league office,' Silver said during his annual news conference at All-Star Weekend inside Chase Center. 'I think the state of the game is excellent. I think it's the media's role, the fans' role, it's perfectly appropriate to be critical of the game, and I find it very helpful. I'm not one of those people who said I don't read criticism.'
How Silver is trying to shape the league.
Nobody was beating Mac McClung in his three-peat bid.
The Magic G Leaguer was once again the runaway slam dunk contest winner for his third-straight title Saturday night in a performance for the ages. He started things with a dunk worthy of a closer and continued to wow with each successive dunk. Each of McClung's dunks earned a perfect 50 score.
Catch up on all of NBA All-Star Saturday night.
Team Shaq defeated Team Chuck, 41-25, to win the inaugural NBA All-Star tournament.
The final of the NBA ASG tournament came back from commercial break and an insane gift ceremony occurred to honor the TNT crew of Ernie Johnson, Shaq, Chuck and Kenny.
I repeat: A live game — with Team Shaq leading Team Chuck, 11-3 — was stopped and billion of dollars worth of All-Stars sat around and got cold so they could watch the TNT studio show hosts get a bunch of gifts to honor their roles in the promotion of the game. Oh yeah, and Kevin Hart was once again the host of it.
Like most the evening, it went over like a lead zeppelin:
The extended breaks in these games are really tough. We're now on to honoring the end of Inside the NBA on TNT when everyone knows its headed to ESPN next season.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 17, 2025
Worst All-Star 'Game' EVER
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 17, 2025
LMAOOOOO WHY DIDNT THEY DO THIS CEREMONY NOT WHEN THE GAME WAS GOING ON
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
If Steph and KD walked out during that 30 minute tv time out, I would not have blamed them https://t.co/eFDDv6DVpK
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) February 17, 2025
The amount of sitting Chuck's team has had to do throughout the night is bonkers.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) February 17, 2025
It's hilarious watching these players try and warm up every 35 minutes dude You can tell they're even bewildered by all this
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
It's almost 11pm on a Sunday night. What are you doing @NBA? https://t.co/GrCcfydXXQ
— Ed. (@DepressedDETN) February 17, 2025
STEPH RUNNING 3 OFF ONE LEG 😤😤He opens the scoring in the #NBAAllStar Championship Game on TNT! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/fEMoVt3mOG
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Team Shaq's OGs defeated Team Candace's Rising Stars, 42-35, but it wasn't easy.
Team Shaq had numerous opportunities to put the game away, but needing just three points with a 37-31 lead, the veterans opted to take a lot of 3s — and missed them.
Finally, Damian Lillard, who led his club with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from long distance, hit a 3 to give Team Shaq the victory and a ticket to face Team Chuck in the final.
For those into such things, Team Candace spent most of the day at BetMGM as a 7.5-point underdog, but went off as only a 6.5-point dog as the game tipped. Landing on seven had major ramifications, once again illustrating the importance of getting the best of the number.
Steph splashes for THREE 💦(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/enD01jFmkE
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 17, 2025
The NBA making its All-Star game less and less about basketball while complaining about NBA players not taking it seriously is about all you need to know about the state of NBA discourse in 2025.
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) February 17, 2025
Oh God. Now it's the comedy sketch again. F me, man. This used to be one of the best weekends of the sporting calendar. I used to LOVE it. Invite my friends over. Watch the game again. Blow this up. It's over. Praying NBC fixes this next year.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 17, 2025
Can the sandman come out with the hook? This is cooked
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) February 17, 2025
Lebron knows this format sucks lol pic.twitter.com/1ObBtr3mc8
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 17, 2025
The new format is good. The first game was good. Don't ever give Kevin Hart or Draymond a mic again.
— Heath Cummings (@heathcummingssr) February 17, 2025
I get what Draymond is saying about the disservice guys like SGA and Wemby will see with this new format. He can say this format sucks but let's not ignore how we got here, the guys just didn't care. The games have been awful.
— Mo Dakhil (@MoDakhil_NBA) February 17, 2025
with all due respect they gotta cut Kevin Hart's mic
— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) February 17, 2025
Been about 10 minutes of basketball and 50 minutes of not-basketball
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) February 17, 2025
Start the damn game! Doing too damn much. Jesus Christ
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 17, 2025
I swear I'm not trying to be cynical but everything outside of the actual games tonight — which have been great — has varied from terrifying to cringe.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
Why does it take 78 minutes for the next game to start?!
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 17, 2025
Worst All-Star 'Game' EVER
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 17, 2025
Now they getting present with gifts. During the Allstar game. This couldn't be on the post show? They aren't going off air anyway bruh they just won't have the all star game 😂
— Jay (@1jreezy) February 17, 2025
LMAOOOOO WHY DIDNT THEY DO THIS CEREMONY NOT WHEN THE GAME WAS GOING ON
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 17, 2025
The extended breaks in these games are really tough. We're now on to honoring the end of Inside the NBA on TNT when everyone knows its headed to ESPN next season.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 17, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards did not participate for Team Kenny in the opening game of All-Star Sunday's new format due to a groin injury, he said afterwards.
There was no indication in the lead-up to the game that Edwards would not participate.
Edwards played his usual 36 points in a 15-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, compiling 23 points (5-of-18 shooting), seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Mr. Beast, the YouTube sensation, hosted a shooting contest between Damian Lillard and a fan for $100,000. The fan had to make one shot from the logo near halfcourt before Lillard made three. Lillard made two, but before he could sink his third the fan banked in the winning shot.
🚨🚨THIS FAN JUST WON $100,000🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/Av7cxG1Sdu
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 17, 2025
The All-Star players, just as hyped as the fans, showered the fan with congratulations.
Team Chuck topped Team Kenny in Game 1, 41-32, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander icing the contest with a dunk.
SGA shot 5-of-5 for 12 points in a game in which Anthony Edwards curiously did not play for Team Kenny.
The TNT broadcast said The Athletic reported Edwards had groin soreness.
SGA ICES GAME 1 😤Chuck's Global Stars move on to the Final Rd of the #NBAAllStar Mini-Tournament ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/YId5BJCAsE
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2025
The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver want the All-Star event to be taken more seriously, with players actually competing.
But the four-man booth for Game 1 — Shaq, Candace Parker, Reggie Miller and Brian Anderson — was all about jokes and topics other than the game during the early going.
The broadcast also gave time during the game to Ernie Johnson and Kevin Hart, who were sitting with coaches Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Hart screamed a lot about whatever as action on the court took place.
I have wondered for a very long time who the Kevin Hart fans are? Where they are? Why does Adam think he's an ambassador lol. https://t.co/8GPCvBz5ku
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) February 17, 2025
When the broadcast went back to the actual broadcast booth, it was Anderson trying to give updates on the action, while his broadcast mates wanted to talk about anything except the action on the court.
The issue: If the action isn't interesting enough for the folks calling the game, why should anyone else care?
Then after the first game, Draymond Green ripped the new format, trashing everything about it. The NBA continues to lead American sports in giving monster platforms to voices who continue to tear apart, ridicule and denigrate its game. Some would say that isn't an optimal strategy when so much money and time are involved in "promoting" the game.
The NBA needs to take a hard look at this game presentation.
Led by Victor Wembanayama, the NBA's young stars are injecting some energy into the All-Star Game for the first time in years. In a back-and-forth battle, Wembanyama has wreaked havoc on both ends, inspiring everyone to compete.
WEMBY'S FIRST #NBAAllStar POINTS 👽Hops into the lane and stuffs it with the left!Chuck's Global Stars 14 PTS away from 40 on TNT 👀 pic.twitter.com/e998eS9CJU
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA NíO QUER SABER DE RELAXAR NO ALL-STARJÁ TEM 2 TOCOS NO JOGO pic.twitter.com/RG7bWFBAaQ
— Matchup Brasil 🇧🇷🏀 (@MatchupBR) February 17, 2025
The All-Stars are actually trying
Victor Wembanyama is here to play some All-Star game defense:
WEMBY BLOCKS CADE CUNNINGHAMHE ISN'T MESSING AROUND pic.twitter.com/XQdAYxloSG
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) February 17, 2025
Tyler Herro and Karl-Anthony Towns trading ridiculous 3s:
HERRO DRAINS THE 3. 👀KAT FOLLOWS UP FROM THE LOGO. 🎯First to 40 advances... #NBAAllStar on TNT pic.twitter.com/9zy0xPdb07
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
In the first NBA All-Star tournament game, featuring Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny, it was Evan Mobley of Team Kenny who scored the first points of the new format.
In transition, the Cavs big man was on the receiving end of an alley-oop from Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams.
Mobley added another bucket as Team Chuck led 17-12 at the first timeout of the contest, which will be decided by the first to 40.
And we're underway. There's no game clock in these games. First team to 40 points in the semifinals wins.
Here are the rosters for the opening game:
Team Kenny
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota TimberwolvesJalen Brunson, New York KnicksJaren Jackson Jr., Memphis GrizzliesJalen Williams, Oklahoma City ThunderDarius Garland, Cleveland CavaliersEvan Mobley, Cleveland CavaliersCade Cunningham, Detroit PistonsTyler Herro, Miami Heat
vs.
Team Chuck
Nikola Jokić, Denver NuggetsTrae Young, Atlanta Hawks (replacing Giannis Antetokounmpo)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderVictor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursPascal Siakam, Indiana PacersAlperen Şengün, Houston RocketsKarl-Anthony Towns, New York KnicksDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
All-Star intros full of pomp and circumstance are over. Team Kenny vs. Team Chuck is up next.
Introducing Chuck's Global Stars!🌟 #NBAAllStar is LIVE on TNT pic.twitter.com/kc0nJ6QNDw
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Introducing Kenny's Young Stars!🌟 #NBAAllStar is LIVE on TNT pic.twitter.com/od0CL6nTbe
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, speaking before the All-Star Game, pledged to participate in a 1-on-1 battle next season, if the NBA decides to add the event to its festivities.
"If I had the chance to play 1-on-1 with anybody, I would love to do it," he said. "Anything that can make the weekend more exciting, more fun for the viewers, for the fans and for the players, I would love to participate. ... If it's a 1-on-1 competition, I would love to participate."
He gives himself a pretty good shot, too.
"I think sometimes you forget, to be a good 1-on-1 player, you've got to be able to play both ways," he said. "You've got to get a stop to get the ball. You don't get a stop, you're not getting the ball. It's kind of hard, say, if Kyrie Irving is going against [Victor Wembanyama]. He's got to get a stop. But it would be fun. It would be fun. I would love to participate if next year there's a 1-on-1 tournament. I would love to participate."
Is he sure?
"I can't make no promises," he said, "but if I'm healthy, I'd probably do it.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will be sidelined for the All-Star Game on Sunday night, as he manages the ankle soreness that has plagued him for the past few seasons, ending his record-setting streak of 20 consecutive All-Star Game starts.
"I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it's just not where I wanted it to be," said James. "With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild West, I feel like it's very important for me to take care of myself and understand what was coming on.
"It is maintenance, but at the same time I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury I've been dealing with for years."
James flew from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Sunday and will return later in the night.
"There will be no vacation for me," he said. "I head back to L.A. tonight and back to the rehab tomorrow and getting ready for practice on Tuesday."
His availability for Wednesday's home game against the Charlotte Hornets is questionable.
More on James' absence.
SAN FRANCISCO — NBA commissioner Adam Silver sees all and hears all: the praise of where his game is or, most importantly, the constant critique the NBA is subject to, almost on a daily basis.
The never-ending 3-point discussion, one that even he has chimed in on at times.
The money element, the financial decisions that have played a big part in trades involving Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns, and the standoff with Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
The officiating, the challenges with a million camera angles and a million more opinions on social media and in NBA locker rooms.
And he's even contributed to it in ways, jokingly throwing gasoline onto the discourse by suggesting 10-minute quarters instead of the usual 12 — a suggestion that earned a decent amount of criticism.
'I try to read it all, frankly, and we try to absorb it at the league office,' Silver said during his annual news conference at All-Star Weekend inside Chase Center. 'I think the state of the game is excellent. I think it's the media's role, the fans' role, it's perfectly appropriate to be critical of the game, and I find it very helpful. I'm not one of those people who said I don't read criticism.'
How Silver is trying to shape the league.
Nobody was beating Mac McClung in his three-peat bid.
The Magic G Leaguer was once again the runaway slam dunk contest winner for his third-straight title Saturday night in a performance for the ages. He started things with a dunk worthy of a closer and continued to wow with each successive dunk. Each of McClung's dunks earned a perfect 50 score.
Catch up on all of NBA All-Star Saturday night.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Report: Reed Sheppard to play for Rockets at NBA's 2025 summer league
Report: Reed Sheppard to play for Rockets at NBA's 2025 summer league Reed Sheppard will begin his sophomore NBA campaign with a 2025 summer-league stint for the Rockets, per Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. The Houston Rockets reportedly remain very optimistic on the future of young guard Reed Sheppard, even after a rookie season in which he played only sparingly. The 20-year-old, University of Kentucky product is expected to play more in his sophomore NBA campaign, and that will likely begin with a summer-league stint in Las Vegas next month. Regarding Sheppard, drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round, the Houston Chronicle's Danielle Lerner reports: Speaking of summer league, Sheppard will participate again to prepare for an increased role with the Rockets in his second NBA season. Sheppard earned All-Summer League First Team honors last July. Houston's 2024 summer team was coached by Garrett Jackson, one of Ime Udoka's assistants with the Rockets, and Lerner reports that Jackson could be in line to hold that same position in 2025. However, that role has yet to be finalized. Another one of Udoka's assistants, Ben Sullivan, was the summer-league head coach in 2023 — when Houston went 5-1 and advanced to the championship game. As for 2025 and the summer-league roster around Sheppard, that remains to be seen. Should the Rockets keep their No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the June 25 draft, that rookie would seemingly be in line to play. Among the existing roster, third-year wing Cam Whitmore and second-year center N'Faly Dante would seem to be possibilities, as well. In addition to the No. 10 choice, Houston also owns the No. 59 pick in the second round. Assuming the Rockets keep that selection, that player and any undrafted free agent signings would also be firmly in the mix to be featured on the summer-league squad. The NBA's 2025 summer league will take place from July 10-20 in Las Vegas, with rosters, schedules, game times, and TV details still to be determined. The league waits until after the June draft to finalize its schedules, since teams with highly touted rookies are usually given the lucrative television windows. More: In 2025-26, Rockets reportedly plan to expand Reed Sheppard's role
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Adam Schefter was ‘essentially banned' from Pat McAfee's ESPN show — until now
You'd be hard pressed to find an NFL insider with more scoops than Adam Schefter, but that hasn't mattered for Pat McAfee and his show. According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Schefter was 'essentially banned' from 'The Pat McAfee Show' back in March after the insider failed to make an appearance on the show at McAfee's request. The apparent dispute arose at the start of NFL free agency when McAfee wanted Schefter to come on the show, but the latter was busy with a free agency special that was airing on ESPN2. 3 Pat McAfee's self-titled show has been an ESPN staple for the past several years. AP 3 Adam Schefter is one of the NFL's top insiders. AP Schefter hasn't been seen on the former All-Pro punter's show since, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has instead made numerous appearances, including one as the guest host. But the apparent squabble seems to have reached its end, as Marchand reported that Schefter is expected to appear on Thursday's 'Pat McAfee Show,' where viewers could find out furtther details of Schefter possibly having been 'banished' from the show for the past several months. ESPN president of content Burke Magnus didn't seem too concerned about the rumored feud as he spoke on McAfee's successes and relationship with the rest of the network. 'Pat and his show are thriving on ESPN,' the statement reads, per Marchand. 'We are very pleased with the partnership.' 3 Adam Schefter making an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show in January. Pat McAfee Show/X Magnus also downplayed the idea that McAfee banned Schefter. 'In the nearly three years since Pat has brought his show to our platforms, we've continuously seen those out there that are seemingly obsessed with wanting to see Pat fail on ESPN,' he said. 'This rumor is just the latest example of that. Pat and his show continue to break the mold and reach new audiences, and we look forward to the continued success together.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
NBA Mock Draft 4.0: The latest first-round projections, plus a trade that could shake up the lottery
As hard as it is to believe, we're only two weeks out from the 2025 NBA Draft. Trade rumors are starting to get louder and louder, and there are a number of teams that could move picks in the lottery. One of them? The Sixers with the third pick. So in this week's mock, we simulated how the draft board might fall if they end up moving down. Let's get into my first-round mock draft. And for a full second round, plus scouting reports of every player, check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide. Flagg will visit the Mavericks in less than one week, which will all but make it official Flagg is headed to Dallas. Right? You'd think. But I guess you can't rule out anything with the Mavericks. Nonetheless, all indications are the Mavericks will indeed keep the first pick, select Flagg and take a two-timelines approach. Flagg can help in both the short term and long term as a do-it-all forward who hustles, makes his teammates better as a passer and has dialed in a knockdown jumper. He's both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages. As long as his jumper falls, he could play as a small forward next to Anthony Davis and another big. It's his growth as a shot creator that will decide if he reaches his All-Star floor or soars to his Hall of Fame ceiling. If the Spurs keep the second pick and don't trade out of this position, it seems like Harper will be the pick. Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins, as the son of Ron Harper, who was a 20/5/5 guy before winning five titles as a role player. Like his father, Harper has a high floor with the skill, poise and playmaking instincts to dictate the game at his pace. He isn't an ideal fit, though, next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle because of questions about his jumper. Harper made only 36.8% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and just 28.7% of his dribble jumpers as a Rutgers freshman. Fox and Castle are more interior-focused guards, too, and so is Jeremy Sochan in the frontcourt. How many shaky shooters can the Spurs really put around Victor Wembanyama? No matter what the Spurs are signaling ahead of the draft, I'm not convinced taking Harper is Plan A. (Taylar Sievert/Yahoo Sports Illustration) TRADE: Pelicans send the seventh pick, a 2026 Pacers 1st (top-4 protected) and Herb Jones to the Sixers for the third pick and Kelly Oubre (player option) Advertisement League sources continue to cite the Pelicans as a team aggressively looking to move up in the draft, with most front-office executives believing Bailey is the target of new general manager Joe Dumars. That's why we're mocking a trade here for this week's mock, with Herb Jones and a low-value first in 2026 via the Pacers to move up four spots. Is there a chance Ace would make it all the way to the seventh pick? Sure. But unlikely, and this would assure the Pelicans get their man. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. But his shooting inconsistencies, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star. There's a real chance Knueppel ends up being selected in the top five with teams enamored with his sharpshooter's stroke, brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. He's the type of player who can come in right away and fit on any team, including perfectly between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He's got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside, but to become a player who takes over games he'll need to overcome his average athleticism. This would matter a bit less playing in Charlotte, since he could be one of multiple ball-handlers on the team. For my interview with Knueppel, you can check it out on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. You can also read a written version here on Yahoo Sports. Edgecombe is an explosive, high-motor wing who flies out of nowhere for poster dunks and chase-down blocks. In Utah, he'd add an ingredient missing with the existing guards and wings there. He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown spot-up jumper and fearless slashing, though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator. Johnson is a clutch shot-maker who can catch fire from all over the floor, drilling step-backs and off-screen jumpers with ease. But he needs to continue developing his point guard skills while also honing his shot selection and dramatically improving his defense. This makes him an imperfect fit for the Wizards, since Bub Carrington and Jordan Poole already occupy the backcourt. But Johnson has the highest upside of the bunch, and Washington is in no position to worry about fit. For my interview with Johnson, you can check it out on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. TRADE: Sixers send the third pick and Kelly Oubre (player option) to the Pelicans for the seventh pick, a 2026 Pacers 1st (top-4 protected) and Herb Jones Advertisement Sixers fans are already at war over Bailey and whether general manager Daryl Morey should take the skilled but raw freshman forward with the third pick. Trading down would solve a lot of issues: pick up an additional asset or two (an elite defender in Herb Jones plus one future first in this case) while just moving down for a player the Sixers might want to take with the third pick anyway. Philly would have a lot of options that make sense here whether it's a sharpshooter like Kon Knueppel, a versatile forward like Carter Bryant or Maluach, a towering rim protector with switchable mobility. Maluach is capable of erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. These skills would make him an intriguing fit alongside Joel Embiid early in his career in double-big lineups. Plus he could serve as a backup too. Beyond dunking lobs, he's a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. But he displays a shooting touch that hints at a much higher upside, not too different than Embiid when he entered the NBA. Such a raw skill-set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn't start playing basketball until he was 13. The Nets have no point guards under contract, and they've long needed a fixture at the position. Fears is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball's youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star. Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. And though he's raw as a ball-handler, he's a skilled spot-up shooter and a hyper-aware cutter. At a minimum, he has the baseline skills to be a great role player with the upside to someday be much more. The Raptors would obviously like for him to hit his high-end outcome, but even if he doesn't he projects as a strong fit next to Scottie Barnes. Even though the Rockets selected Reed Sheppard last year, there's no reason for them to shy away from adding another playmaking guard to the mix. Houston's system looks like it'll have sources of offense from all five players on the floor, so Jakučionis could fit as a slick shot-creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability. As a freshman, he carved up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers and jaw-dropping passes. He'd follow up those highlights with turnover brain-farts that derail the hype train, but that's why Houston would be beneficial since it'd alleviate his workload and put him in a simpler role. The Trail Blazers could be targeting a shooter with this pick after ranking 24th in 3-point percentage and in the middle of the pack in attempts last season. McNeeley is a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving without the ball and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn't project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him the skill to fit into any type of offense. Richardson has been connected to teams drafting in the late lottery, despite measuring 6-feet at the NBA Draft Combine. He is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn't inherit his father's height or dunk-contest athleticism, though, so his smaller stature caps his upside. But does that matter? Look at the way the Pacers and Thunder play, with tons of players who can fly around the floor and make quick decisions. That's Richardson's exact style, so he could seamlessly fit on a team like the Bulls. Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16. If he translates his velvet touch to the perimeter, he has offensive star upside, though his interior scoring, playmaking chops and magnetic rebounding give him tantalizing potential. Queen would offer a different type of center than Trae Young is used to, but that could lead to exciting returns in the years to come. Check out my full interview with Queen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. The intel on Coward is all over the place. Some sources say he's a late lottery pick. Others say he's a late first. I'd imagine a really smart team will draft him, so he goes to the Spurs in this mock. Coward has gone from a Division III player to a potential first-round pick in just a few years behind his rapid development into a prospect with a valued 3-and-D skill-set. But he brings even higher upside, thanks to his passing vision and blossoming handle. For more on Coward, watch or listen to my one-on-one interview with him. If the Thunder win the NBA Finals, they will go down as one of the greatest single-season teams in the history of sports. So what does a team with so much depth really need? A home-run swing in the draft. Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package and highly versatile defense. But his long-term upside hinges on the jumper clicking. And if it doesn't, his defense must reach a level that prevents coaches from keeping him off the floor. Clifford is a tough-as-nails wing who does it all. He defends multiple positions, crashes the boards and scores from everywhere. As a super senior with only Mountain West pedigree, he lacks experience against high-level competition despite his age. But his skill-set would in theory allow him to fit right away on Orlando's roster, providing shooting to a team that ranked 25th in 3-point attempts and last in percentage. The Timberwolves got blasted by the Thunder in the Western Conference finals, and it's time for the franchise to take a long, hard look in the mirror at what's missing. Anthony Edwards is only 23 and should conceivably get better. But the frontcourt is aging and getting pricey. That's why Newell is the choice here. Newell has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots. Even though his lack of discipline reflects his youth, his energetic style suggests he'll someday become a highly versatile defender. Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball and inhales rebounds. He's a special defensive presence, and offensively he's a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. Improving his jumper would move him out of tweener territory and into All-Star status. So unless he or Alex Sarr does that, there might be too much overlap in the frontcourt. The upside of this defensive duo would be pretty enormous, though, making it a worthy gamble. Demin has one of the widest ranges in this draft class with people around the league seeing him as an option from anywhere in the mid-lottery to the late-teens. The Nets would certainly be happy to take a swing on his rare ability at his size to make dazzling passes. Even though he struggled to shoot and create his own shot against lengthy defenders, he did perform well at the draft combine and is said to be excelling in pre-draft workouts with his tweaked shooting mechanics. Pat Riley said he has no plans to retire and that '80 is the new 60,' so it's hard to imagine the Heat going with a raw project in the draft. But would a talent like Traoré be too much to pass up? The Frenchman oozes upside with his size, blazing speed and shiftiness off the bounce. Inefficient scoring and erratic decision-making are the big concerns with him, but he's played his best basketball in recent months by shooting nearly 40% from 3 and 80% from the line. Riley may want to win now, but maybe he should think about the long-term future of the franchise, too. It might be about time for the Jazz to trade Walker Kessler, and Sorber would be a worthy replacement. Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill-set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes and gritty drop-coverage instincts. But to be more than a role player, he needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense. Powell has a chiseled frame he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he's on defense. He's a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor, and if his spot-up jumper translates, he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum. These are the precise qualities of the types of wings and forwards the Hawks love to put around Trae Young. With Myles Turner entering free agency this offseason, the Pacers could be in need of a center. Even if he does return, Raynaud could serve as a backup center or give Indiana a versatile option for a two-big look. Raynaud has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there's little reason to think the Frenchman won't carve out an NBA role. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Will Riley, F, Illinois Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. But his jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he is so lean physically and lacks fundamentals. The Thunder can be patient, though. With a loaded team that could win the NBA Finals, Riley can spend some time in the G League and develop until he's ready to shine. Here's another shooter for the Magic. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. He has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, but this would matter less for an Orlando team that would place him in a defined role. 26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York): Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project. But it also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. He is a center, but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. His role in the early years will be to screen and catch lobs, and he could catch a lot of them playing with playmakers like Fears and Demin. Advertisement Gonzalez is expected by most executives to keep his name in the draft, but with the withdrawal date on June 15 and his draft status anything but a certainty, there's always a chance he returns overseas for one more year. Gonzalez is a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. And if his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. But he barely played off the bench for Real Madrid, so there would be some appeal in proving he's worth a lottery pick with one more year before making the leap. However, if a team like the Nets comes calling, there'd be plenty of early opportunity for him in the NBA. Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter. If he's able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player. The Celtics have had good success at improving shooters, so he'd be a fair bet at this spot, considering his other strengths are tailor-made for their system. The Suns could absolutely use a big man, since Nick Richards is merely a backup. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It's a bit strange he isn't a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he's also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside. 30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City): Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida James Harden can't be the only source of playmaking for the Clippers. They need someone who can allow him to operate off-ball, if he's willing. Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment, as we saw when he led Florida to the national championship. But his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect. For the full second-round mock draft, plus scouting reports of every player, check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide.
